Wildlife dept recovers 90 migratory birds from poachers

KARACHI:

The Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD) recovered at least 90 migratory birds on Sunday while they were being transported illegally to Badin city.

Badin district's SWD team, on a tip-off, recovered the birds from a passenger vehicle plying from villages along the coastal belt to the district headquarters between Lauri Sharif and Kadhan towns.

According to the SWD officials, local villagers Haji Aarab Subhero, Imtiaz Subhero and Muhammad Urs Subhero, were transporting the birds.

The officials said a Rs10,000 fine was imposed on the transporters for trading the endangered birds.

"Local villagers are involved in this illegal trade," claimed district game officer, Ashfaque Memon. He said the demand in big cities compels villagers to catch migratory birds.

Memon said at least 10 birds died during transportation, adding that 20 others had already been slaughtered. He said the remaining birds were released.

According to Badin city residents, the trade of migratory birds is a routine matter. "One can easily purchase ducks and other migratory birds from villagers living near the coast," a resident, Muhammad Khan, explained. SWD officials are aware that the trade of migratory birds is rampant in this particular season but claim it is not possible for them to keep a complete check on it due to staff shortage.

"There is acute shortage of staff in Badin and Thatta, therefore the illegal trade of birds can't be curtailed," explained an SWD official requesting anonymity.

Deputy conservator Ghulam Muhammad Gaddani said all SWD officials have been directed to trace people involved in the illegal trade of birds. He said despite strict checks, villagers remain active during the season when migratory birds arrive in the coastal areas.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st,  2016.